In 'Betaball,' Erik Malinowski uncovers the revolutionary methods of the NBA's Golden State Warriors as they defy conventional basketball wisdom. The story delves into the analytics-driven approach that transformed a struggling franchise into a powerhouse. With insights from players, coaches, and analysts, it lays bare the behind-the-scenes battles of strategy and innovation in professional sports. This thrilling narrative not only captivates sports enthusiasts but also resonates with anyone interested in the interplay between technology and human performance. Prepare to rethink everything you know about the game of basketball!
By Erik Malinowski
Published: 2018
""In a game defined by numbers, the most critical variable is still the humans behind the data.""
“As lively, thorough, and engaging as the team it chronicles” (Nathaniel Friedman), Betaball is a compelling look at how the Golden State Warriors embraced savvy business practices, next generation science, and Silicon Valley’s technocentric culture not only to produce one of the greatest basketball teams in history but also to revolutionize the NBA—perfect for fans of Moneyball and The Book of Basketball. Betaball is the definitive, inside account of how the Golden State Warriors, under the ownership of venture capitalist Joe Lacob and Hollywood producer Peter Guber, quickly became one of the greatest success stories in both sports and business. In just five years, they turned a declining franchise with no immediate hope into the NBA’s dominant force—and facilitated the rise of All-Star point guard Stephen Curry. By operating in “beta,” the Warriors morphed into a model organization for American professional sports, instituting the best workplace principles found inside the world’s most successful corporations, and instilling a top-down organizational ethos that allows employees—from the front office to the free-throw line—to thrive. With in-depth access and meticulous reporting on and off the court, acclaimed journalist Eric Malinowski recounts a gripping tale of a team’s reinvention, of worlds colliding, of ordinary people being pushed to extraordinary heights, and the Golden State Warriors’ chase for a second straight NBA championship during the 2015-’16 season. Betaball is “a book for fans of all sports and science, business and analytics, Silicon Valley and Wall Street, front offices and locker rooms, money and winning” (Don Van Natta Jr., ESPN reporter and New York Times bestselling author).
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“"In a game defined by numbers, the most critical variable is still the humans behind the data."”
Betaball
By Erik Malinowski
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Erik Malinowski is an accomplished author and sports journalist known for his keen insight into the world of sports and culture. With a writing style that blends analytical depth with a personal touch, Malinowski has contributed to various prominent publications, including ESPN and Wired. He is the author of 'Betting On Yourself: Adventures in the World of Sports Gambling' and 'Fantasyland: A Sportswriter’s Search for His Boyhood Dream,' both of which showcase his narrative prowess and passion for storytelling, offering readers a unique perspective on the intersection of sports and personal experience.
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